David began counseling and teaching adults over 20 years ago while working in the Social Services field. During that time he began practicing different styles of yoga until he discovered Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. After practicing for five years he traveled to Mysore, India in 2002 to deepen his understanding of the Ashtanga Vinyasa System and begin his studies with his teacher Sharath Ragaswamy, grandson of Sri K Pattabhi Jois and Director of the Sri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Institute. After living in India for six months, David returned to Toronto and jointly opened Catfish Yoga Shala. There he had the opportunity to teach Ashtanga classes, various intensive courses and training programs. After three years, Catfish Yoga Shala merged with Downward Dog Yoga Centre’s founders, Diane Bruni and Ron Reid, and Downward Dog in the Beach was created. David continues to deepen his understanding of the Ashtanga Vinyasa System and the therapeutic benefits of yoga asana with a committed daily practice and regular visits to India to study. He has the blessing and is Authorized by his teacher Sharath Ragaswamy, to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Respecting the tradition of Guru Parampara, he is also thankful to Mark Darby, Lino Miele and Ron Reid, whose guidance and patience has allowed him to complete the first three series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. With a clear understanding of anatomy, the importance of alignment in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and that the practice is an ongoing, cumulative and therapeutic process, David encourages and teaches each student to become a self-sufficient and evolving practitioner. He is known for his clear instructions and his intuitive adjustments, guided by breath and movement that focus on the body’s natural intelligence and natural physical alignment. He brings an energy and insight to his classes, which evolves from his dedication to his practice and ongoing commitment to learning. He feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach celebrities along with a diverse and growing community of students. David co-authored the book “The Greatest Yoga Tips in the World” and is the co-owner and co-director of Downward Dog in the Beach yoga studio in Toronto. www.davidgyoga.com

Since 2003, Cecily has been a student of the Ashtanga vinyasa yoga tradition, refining a dedicated practice with guidance from senior teachers. Since her first Primary Series class at the Halifax YMCA, Cecily has uncovered the deeper benefits of yoga under the guidance of Ron Reid and Diane Bruni, as well as abroad with Rolf and Marci Naujokat, Petri Raisanen, Nancy Gilgoff, David Williams and Mark Darby. Cecily is known for her professional, personable approach to the practice, providing informative adjustments and articulate cues through her classes. Clients include members of the Hollywood elite, along with fan-favourites Toronto FC. In both her group classes and private lessons, Cecily approaches yoga from a holistic perspective, acknowledging that the pursuit of strength, balance and flexibility—both in yoga and in everyday life—is unique to each individual. In 2009, Cecily founded Lake of Bays Yoga in Muskoka, where she has been turning cottagers into avid yogis ever since! www.theyogaelement.com

Amica's first taste of yoga came when, as a child, she accompanied her mom to yoga classes, where she developing a taste for movement, relaxation and focused practice. Amica studied dance--both contemporary and creative movement--for over 12 years and moved to Toronto in 2003 to purse a professional career in the arts. It was her passion for movement that led her to begin practicing yoga in her late teens, initially as a means of complementing her dance training. These classes deeply affected her, and soon she sought out different styles of practice and various teachers in the city before discovering Ashtanga yoga and The Downward Dog Yoga Centre, where she felt a true connection. The practice intrigued her and she felt compelled to direct energy to its study. Amica completed her teacher training at Downward Dog in 2006, marking the beginning of a devoted and loving commitment to explore, teach and continually rediscover its many benefits. On her journey, she feels blessed to have had the strength and support of the practice to carry her forward in its truly magical way. Amica continues to learn and build her practice with the help of her teachers Ron Reid, Diane Bruni, Delia Triolo, Marla Joy, and David Gellineau.

Sarah Nixon is a yoga teacher, urban flower farmer and new mother. Growing up on Vancouver Island, Sarah began yoga in 1995 while in university studying the fine arts. She has since lived and practiced in Montreal, Vancouver and Gabriola Island studying both Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa styles. Sarah moved to Toronto in 1998 and was very happy to find the focused, dedicated community of the Downward Dog. She has been studying with Ron Reid and Diane Bruni for over 10 years and teaching for 8. She has studied with numerous other teachers, most closely with Hart Lazer and Michael Stone. Her ongoing studies in Buddhism and yoga philosophy continue to inform her practice and teaching. www.mylusciousbackyard.ca

David has been practicing yoga for over 25 years. An avid cyclist, initially David practiced Hatha but the natural athlete in him gravitated towards Ashtanga which he now has been studying for over 10 years. David received his teacher certification from Downward Dog yoga studio under the guidance of Ron Reid and Diane Bruni. David’s background in body work allows him to have a deeper understanding of the complexity of the human body and gives him a greater appreciation of how unique each body is from the next. This outlook has gained him many opportunities and is evident in his own practice. David has worked with numerous professional athletes, including the Buffalo Bills and the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, as well as the Canadian National Soccer Team. David believes that students and teachers alike should always look for new methods and ideas to further there own yogic path.

Since 1999, Leslie has practiced under the guidance of Ron Reid and Diane Bruni at Downward Dog Yoga Centre. She completed her full teacher certification, and a shorter teacher training intensive with Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty in 2007. In her yoga classes, Leslie endeavours to create a safe and healthy atmosphere where students can challenge, nurture and better understand themselves through the practice of yoga.

Kathryn Bruni-Young has been practicing yoga all her life. She completed the Downward Dog teacher training program in 2005 and immediately began teaching yoga to her fellow teens at Downward Dog in the Beach. Her main teachers include Diane Bruni, Ron Reid, Richard Freeman and Vinnie Marino. Kathryn’s classes focus on building strength and flow through difficult but accessible postures including arm balances and inversions. Kathryn also practices holistic nutrition and is continuing her learning in the field of alternative healthcare.

Jennifer is a yogi, modern dancer and holistic nutritionist. She completed her yoga teacher training at Downward Dog in 2004 and has been on faculty there ever since. Jennifer teaches from the heart. She seeks to share her love of yoga while creating a safe environment for self-discovery. She continues to practice under the guidance of Ron and Diane and feels like Downward Dog is her second home. As a dancer, Jennifer has had the pleasure of performing all over the world. When she was young, she dreamed of dancing across the oceans. She’s happy to report that dreams do come true. Jennifer's latest endeavor is holistic nutrition. She studied at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto and graduated with First Class Honors in 2009. Upon graduation, Jennifer created Sama, which means “balance” or “equilibrium” in Sanskrit. At Sama, Jennifer gives one-on-one nutritional consultations helping people live happier and healthier lives.